SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The WESH 2 I-Team first exposed a little green pill as a toxic fraud that won't save you any money at the pump.
Now, the pill is going on trial. A San Antonio judge is hearing evidence that could shut down the makers of the little green pill for good.
The Texas attorney general issued a temporary restraining order against BioPerformance after the WESH 2 I-Team's reports aired three weeks ago.
BioPerformance's President Lowell Mims and his business partner, Gus Romero, were not required to appear in court for the hearing, but they both showed up on Tuesday morning.
As Mims stepped off an elevator at the courthouse in San Antonio, WESH 2 I-Team reporter Michelle Meredith was waiting."Why is the state of Texas shutting you down?" she asked.
"Well, we have no comments. We're going to vigorously defend our company. So, we're looking forward to a great day," Mims said.
"How much money did you get from BioPerformance?" Meredith asked as Mims walked away from her.
Not a lot has changed since Mims was in Orlando. He is still not interested in talking to Meredith -- ditto for Romero.
The state of Texas went into court armed with boxes of evidence and a long list of experts. Just like the experts in our WESH 2 investigation, the experts said the little green pill does not work, will not increase your mileage by 25 percent and that the little green pill is made mostly of naphthalene -- the stuff moth balls used to be made of.
"(They) like to sell this like a magic gas pill or powder. It's obscene," said Texas Attorney General John Owens.
Attorneys for BioPerformance argued that the state's tests and case are flawed.
"This product is just as legitimate as the STP products and all the other products that are designed to enhance fuel efficiency and economy," said BioPerformance attorney Stacy Dunlap.
While BioPerformance fans passed out their supports for Mims, Mims passed out the compliments.
"You look nice in that white suit," he leaned over and said to Meredith.
"Why, thank you, Lowell," she said.
Even though Mims would not answer her questions about how much he has made from BioPerformance, the state of Texas said he has deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars into his personal checking account.
The hearing lasted longer than it was expected to, so it will continue on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
A temporary restraining order for sales of the little green pill is in place and it will only last for 15 days. So, the state is seeking a temporary injunction to hold the freeze until they can go to trial in several months.
Hope that helps.